We all know that there are demands associated with teaching – writing reports, programming, marking student work and managing grumpy bosses (I’m one of them so I can admit it!) just to name a handful. But even so, all of the worldwide research tells us that the number one factor influencing teacher stress is student…
Teaching is 9 to 3!?!
Sadly many in the community only see the “9 to 3” part of the day in which teachers (and other staff in schools) work. They don’t see the myriad of other commitments that school staff make. Everyone thinks they know what teachers and staff in schools do – after all everybody went to school, as…
School Staff Stress – the Facts
The stress of working in schools is widely recognised. Numerous studies in Australia and overseas have addressed its causes. Teachers are leaving our profession in increasing numbers and a high proportion of those who remain in the job freely admit their dissatisfaction and distress. This not only causes concern for the well being of the…
Positive Worry Builds Resilience
Schools become less productive when staff stew over problems that they can’t change and dwell on the hardships and difficulties in the problems that they can change. Worry, self pity and pessimism create a septic tank of negative energy that drains energy, enthusiasm and initiative. The solution requires people to flip their worry into positive…
Mineral Rights A Fierce Conversations Model
The Mineral Rights conversation model is one of four approaches advocated in the Fierce Conversations program. Using this model allows you to engage in rich conversations and dig deep to the heart of important matters, one conversation at a time. Identify the issue or need – “What is the most important thing we should be…
Life Success Matrix
‘Decide what your brilliant, balanced life looks like, and plan to live it.’ As educators, we are well aware of the need to encourage good values in our students. But how many of us actually take the time to consider our own personal values? Your values, of course, clarify what’s important to you. They drive…
Is your stress coping strategy working FOR or AGAINST you?
When we experience prolonged negative stress our body consumes Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins and potassium phosphate at an incredible rate. If we are not regularly consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients through our diet, then the resultant deficiency increases our stress response which in turn causes a greater deficiency in these protective nutrients. We tend…
How to Feel F.R.E.S.H. at Work Every Day
Have you been through a tough period lately? Too much to do and not enough time? Feeling a bit low on energy but not sure what to do about it? What you need is a F.R.E.S.H. approach to work. It starts with understanding where you sit on the engagement matrix: Green – When most people…
How to DESTRESS Your Life
In today’s economic climate, there are an ever increasing amount of responsibilities and social pressures which can often lead to feelings of stress. To help manage these situations below is a quick DESTRESS strategy for you: D – Do the ‘Urgent AND Important’ things first Prioritise those things that are not just urgent, but also…
GROW Model for Goal Setting
Try the GROW model for a simple model that is easy to use and helps give clarity around what you want to achieve. The model also helps you consider your options. The model also helps convert goals into actions. As well as using it for goal setting, it is also an excellent tool for coaching…